Preparing for Power Outages

In preparation for adverse weather this week, PG&E is providing the following safety tips. Stormy weather throughout the North State will bring gusty winds starting Wednesday and continuing throughout the week. Windy weather and wet or snowy conditions have the potential to cause weather-related outages

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Gridley Herald - Gridley, CA

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Posted Nov. 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Nov. 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM

· Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready. Listen for updates on storm conditions and power outages.

If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication - have a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone or pager ready as a back-up.

Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling.

Safety Tips

Treat all downed power lines as if they are "live" or energized. Keep yourself and others away from them. Call 911, then notify PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.

Customers with generator should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to our crews.

Unplug or turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.